Strong's Lexicon
keras: Horn
Original Word:κέρας
Part of Speech:Noun, Neuter
Transliteration:keras
Pronunciation:KEH-ras
Phonetic Spelling:(ker'-as)
Definition:Horn
Meaning:(a) a horn, (b) a horn-like projection at the corner of an altar, (c) a horn as a symbol of power.
Word Origin:Derived from a primary word
Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: -H7161 (קֶרֶן, qeren): Often used in the Old Testament to denote a horn, both literally and symbolically, as in the strength of a kingdom or the power of a ruler.
Usage:In the New Testament, the Greek word "keras" is primarily used to denote a "horn." This term can be understood both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it refers to the horn of an animal, which was often used as a container or a musical instrument. Metaphorically, it symbolizes strength, power, and authority. In biblical literature, horns are frequently associated with kings and kingdoms, representing their might and dominion.
Cultural and Historical Background:In ancient cultures, horns were emblematic of power and strength due to their association with powerful animals like bulls and rams. They were used in various ways, such as in battle signals, religious rituals, and as vessels for anointing oil. The imagery of horns was prevalent in Jewish apocalyptic literature, where they often symbolized rulers or nations.
HELPS Word-studies
2768kéras– properly, an animalhorn; (figuratively) aninstrument of power, i.e. thatovercomes by displayingoverpowering strength.
[2768/kéras ("horn") symbolizes the strength of (horned) bulls (see Ps 132:17).]
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. word
Definitiona horn
NASB Translationhorn (1), horns (10).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2768: κέραςκέρας,
κερατος, plural
κέρατα, genitive
κεράτων (
Winers Grammar, 65 (63);
Buttmann, 15 (13)),
τό (from
Homer down), Hebrew
קֶרֶן,
a horn;
a. properly: of animals,Revelation 5:6;Revelation 12:3;Revelation 13:1, 11;Revelation 17:3, 7, 12, 16.
b. Since animals (especially bulls) defend themselves with their horns, the horn with the Hebrews (and other nations) is a symbol of strength and courage, and is used as such in a variety of phrases (Psalm 88:18 ();Psalm 131:17 ();;1 Samuel 2:10; Sir. 47:5, 7, 11; 1 Macc. 2:48, etc.; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus, iii., p. 1238; (B. D. under the word)); hence,κέραςσωτηρίας (of God,Psalm 17:3 ();2 Samuel 22:3), equivalent toa mighty and valiant helper, the author of deliverance, of the Messiah,Luke 1:69.c. tropically,a projecting extremity in shape like a horn, a point, apex: as, of an altar,Revelation 9:13; (Exodus 29:12;Leviticus 4:7, 18;Leviticus 16:18;Amos 3:14;Psalm 117:27 ()).
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
horn.From a primary kar (the hair of the head); a horn (literally or figuratively) -- horn.
Forms and Transliterations
εκεράτιζες εκερατίζετε καρατίζοντα κερας κέρας κέρασιν κέρασμα κεράσματος κεράστου κερατα κέρατα κέρατά κέρατι κερατιεί κερατιείς κερατίναι κερατίναις κερατίνας κερατίνη κερατίνης κερατιούμεν κερατίση κερατων κεράτων keras kéras kerata kérata keraton keratōn keráton kerátōnLinks
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